Skin diving is when divers swim underwater without a diving suit. Typically in deep water with only an aqualung and flippers. Swim diving relies on holding one’s breath until resurfacing rather than using scuba gear or other apparatus that a diver uses.
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What is Skin Diving?
Skin diving started it’s popularity in the 1920s and 1930s in the Mediterranean and off the California coast, most notably by American diver Guy Gilpatric, whose 1938 film “The Compleat Goggler” gave the sport a big boost and piqued the interest of French naval engineer and diver Jacques Cousteau. This is a type of recreational diving. It is a hybrid of snorkeling and freediving in which the diver holds his/her breath and goes down to explore the ocean for pleasure.
Skin diving apparatus
Skin divers only wear a face mask or goggles. It is a short breathing tube that protrudes from the mouth and is kept above water. And flippers or foot fins. In cold water, you can wear a wetsuit, a dry suit, or the latter over the former.
Longer fins are preferred by skin divers because they displace more water and thus provide better propulsion. The more dense the material, the more buoyant it becomes (stay afloat). Low volume masks store less air and thus contribute less to buoyancy. Some skin divers believe that a good pair of goggles and a nose clip are better than masks for depth diving.
Advantage
Its advantage is significantly less expensive because the diver only needs a mask, snorkel and a pair of good fins that can easily transport them under the water. Also, because you’re holding your breath, you can take a good look at the interesting sea creature in front of you. Skin diving tends to slow your heart rate and puts you in an environment that muffles your sensory experiences. This activity also boosts self-confidence by teaching you to trust your abilities and perfect your control. At depth, it has the same physiological effects as high altitude training. The more you dive, the more productive your lungs and body become at utilizing oxygen. Dive training also improves lung capacity and resilience. Skin divers regularly inhale a full breath, whereas the average person rarely does.
Disadvantage
The disadvantage is, you can only gaze at it for a few seconds or minutes at a time (never touch any marine animals). As a result, you’ll need a lot of practice holding your breath for an extended period of time and diving deeper. Another disadvantage is that you cannot stay underwater for long periods of time. Acute decompression illness (DCI) affecting the brain (Cerebral DCI) is one of the most serious types of diving-related injury issues, with the potential for long-term brain damage. Cerebral DCI occurs in both filtration and breath-hold divers.
Precaution
Before you try to do skin diving make sure you are capable of doing it. You must first learn the basic steps and make sure you’re with someone else that will guide you. If you ever encounter marine animals and other sea creatures avoid touching them (taking pictures or videos will do but make sure you’re not too close). Lastly, don’t stay too long underwater and don’t do it regularly.
Conclusion
Engaging in skin diving sometimes can make you relax in the meantime. Try to skin dive with your family or friends just to enjoy the day. This will also train our body in managing pressures and in holding our breaths for too long as well as managing our controls. Just don’t forget the precautions listed above. It’s just so great to do this as one of your recreational activities. It’ll not only enhance your skills, but it’ll also help us meet other sea creatures.
Sources
- https://thequeensescape.com/the-differences-between-scuba-diving-freediving-and-skin-diving/
- https://www.britannica.com/topic/underwater-diving
- https://thequeensescape.com/the-differences-between-scuba-diving-freediving-and-skin-diving/